All Stories (RSS)
The Big Chill Eastnor Castle Disability Access Guide - 2008
Eastnor Castle dates back to the 16th century and is set amongst the beautiful Malvern Hills on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border. The castle is surrounded by woodland, open grass land and a deer park.The Big Chill festival takes place in the castle grounds in the bottom of a valley between two hills that rise steeply, with ancient oaks and open grassy expanses. Adventure up either side and be rewarded with amazing views of the festival and the surrounding unspoilt countryside. But landscape such as this will present challenges for wheelchair users and those with serious mobility issues. However, with a little help here and there it is manageable... and worth it.
The Big Chill is committed to make the event as accessible as possible for people with disabilities and efforts have been made to achieve this where reasonable. However, the festival is an outdoor event on the Malvern Hills and therefore it will be inherently difficult for anyone with a mobility related disability. Only one vehicle per disabled person will be allowed to park in the accessible camping area. Other members of a group must park in the usual way. Due to Health and Safety and strict insurance policy restrictions Big Chill staff are forbidden to give rides on any vehicles.
Getting Around
The valley floor has a gentle slope running from one end to another, which is quite easy to negotiate but the sides are steep and a manual wheelchair user will require help in places when moving around the main arena and definitely if not camping in the accessible camp area. Electric wheelchairs/scooters can tackle most areas without too much hindrance but the ground is quite uneven in places. Wheelchairs and scooters will be available from Event Mobility this year. The terrain is predominantly short grass with firm soil so movement around the main arena and other stages is possible for fit wheelchair users. Those with visual impairments will benefit from a helping hand to negotiate uneven terrain and busy areas.. Some areas of the festival are very steep, especially the road and paths leading to and from the valley camping areas. The festival is spread out over quite a distance too, so movement from one end to the other requires quite a bit of effort.
The stages and stalls are positioned relatively close to one another so movement throughout the day and evening is not overwhelming although energy will soon be used up if many trips backwards and forwards are made.
Camping
Camping facilities are spread over a significant area of the deer park and everyone is free to chose where they camp however, careful consideration should be given to the choice of camping area. The distance to and from the general camping areas is great and in places the gradients are severe. Not all of the paths or roads are tarmac.
Disabled camping is positioned next to the family camping area and is in the most logical place for anyone with mobility issues. The terrain is rough, clumpy grass and not really very good for wheelchairs but it is only 5 minutes stroll from the main arena and close to a tarmac road that leads into various parts of the festival.
Vehicles with a blue badge can park in the disabled camping area. Friends will have to park in the main car parks.
Some people are worried that the disabled camping area might be too close to the main stage and therefore noisy at night. It is not that close so this won't be a problem but festivals are noisy by nature so it is always advisable to bring ear plugs along just in case.
Groups can camp together in the disabled camping area but this must be arranged when purchasing your ticket.
Facilities
Electric wheelchairs and scooters available.
Charging points for electric wheelchairs and scooters available.
Refrigeration for medical supplies is available by prior arrangement.
Accessible shower in disabled camping area.
Accessible lavatories will be positioned around the festival and we aim to protect some of them from public use.
Certain medical support is available from the onsite medical centre but any specific medical needs should be discussed before purchasing a ticket.
Viewing platforms
Stewards will be on hand to help with any issues that may arise during the weekend
For further information please contact disabilityaccess@bigchill.net
Back to Disability Access
Written: 18th Feb, 70
Read: 667 times
